Friday, June 6, 2014

It's Summertime!

It’s time for summer fun and for many youth, going to camp
is a rite of passage.The prospects of
being away from parents bring feelings of excitement and nervousness.While homesickness is a normal thing, parents
can lay the groundwork to help youth prepare for homesickness.The American Camping Association has some
great tips for dealing with homesickness:

Involve the child in choosing the camp, as well as planning
and packing

Encourage independence throughout the year with sleepovers

Focus on confidence in your children

Discuss what camp will be like.If you can, visit the camp beforehand

Invite a friend to go along too

Discuss what homesickness might feel like and that it is
normal

Brainstorm together ways to deal with homesickness, for example,record what camp is like with a journal,
drawings or photographs;stay busy;talk to someone;focus on the fun

Send a note beforehand so your child gets it soon after
arriving to camp

Avoid the pick up deal- “if you feel homesick, I will come
get you”

Show younger campers a calendar so they can see how long they will be gone

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